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Department of Chemistry

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does the program offer any financial support?

Our program offers graduate stipend and tuition support for all candidates seeking a PhD degree. This support is fully guaranteed for up to 5 years as long as the student maintains good standing in the program. Funding or assistantships for students on the M.S. track is not available through the Department of Chemistry. Scholarships may be available via the Graduate School or International Student Office.

  • Does the program offer a fee waiver?
No. Application fee waivers are not available through the Department of Chemistry.
 
  • What are the requirements for admission?

All applicants to our program must meet all University of Memphis Graduate School requirements. There are no exceptions.

  • What application materials are required?
Please refer to the Graduate School application portal for the current list of required application materials. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
 
  • Is there a GRE requirement to be admitted in the program?

We do not require the GRE.

  • Does the department offer language proficiency waivers for international applicants?

Language proficiency requirements are imposed by the Graduate School, therefore, they cannot be waived at a departmental level.

  • Is there a GPA minimum?

Yes. The University of Memphis requires a minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0 for M.S.-seeking students and a 3.0/4.0 for Ph.D.-seeking students.

  • Can I be admitted conditionally if my GPA is below the minimum requirement?
No. Applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirements established by the University of Memphis Graduate School. The Department of Chemistry cannot grant exceptions to these requirements.
 
  • My degree is not in Chemistry. Can I still apply?
Applicants with degrees in chemistry and closely related disciplines may be considered. Admission decisions are based on the overall academic background and preparation of the applicant.
 
  • Can I send my application materials for pre-evaluation?
No. Please do not send application materials to faculty members or the graduate coordinator for review. Pre-evaluations will not be conducted. Only complete applications submitted through the Graduate School application system will be considered by the admissions committee.
 
  • Do I need to identify or contact a faculty advisor before applying?

No. Students are first admitted to the graduate program. After matriculation, they will have the opportunity to select a dissertation research mentor. You do not need to contact potential mentors prior to applying or admission.

  • Will my chances of admission improve if I reach out to a potential faculty advisor?
No. Contacting faculty members before applying is not required and does not guarantee admission. Admission decisions are made by the admissions committee based on applicant qualifications, departmental needs, and assistantship availability.
 
  • Is there a deadline for application?

Our program has deadlines for full consideration of applications: 

    • For Fall admits, applications received before February 1st will be given full consideration.
    • For Spring admits, applications received before July 1st will be given full consideration.

Students applying after the priority deadline can expect delayed responses and may not be considered for admission if the incoming class is full.

  • When should I expect to hear back about my application?

Admissions are NOT made on a rolling basis. To ensure that all applicants who complete their applications before the deadline are given full consideration, decisions will be announced on set days:

    • For Fall admits, offers, declinations, and waitlist decisions will be made on or before March 1st.
    • For Spring admits, offers, declinations, and waitlist decisions will be made on or before August 1st.
  • Should I email the department to check on the status of my application?
Once an application has been submitted, applicants can monitor its status through the Graduate School application portal. The Department of Chemistry is unable to provide updates beyond the information available in the portal. Admissions decisions will be released according to the timeline listed above.
 
  • Can campus visits be arranged?

Campus visits for admitted domestic students will be considered by sending a request to gradchem@memphis.edu. We do not offer virtual campus visits.